English on Social Media Posts

Hlazunova M. English on Social Media Posts : bachelor’s thesis : 035 Philology / supervised by V. Orlova. Kyiv, 2025. 63 p.

This Bachelor’s thesis is devoted to the comprehensive study of English language features and media literacy as reflected in authentic social media discourse. The main aim is to identify the structural, grammatical, stylistic, and rhetorical devices that shape informal online communication on platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, and to analyse how these elements influence audience engagement and foster the development of critical media literacy.
The research is based on 100 authentic posts, selected to exemplify a variety of linguistic phenomena: neologisms, abbreviations, acronyms, grammatical deviations, stylistic features (such as irony, sarcasm, and emotional expression), as well as persuasive techniques including rhetorical questions, imperatives, call-to-action phrases, hashtags, and influencer language. Research methods include content analysis, comparative approaches, and discourse studies.
The findings reveal that the English language on social media is highly dynamic, creative, and strongly adapted to the rapid pace and informal tone of digital interaction. Shortened forms stylistic choices allow users to convey complex meanings efficiently, while persuasive strategies motivate users to comment, like, and share content, fostering community and co-creation of meaning. The study demonstrates how language adapts to technological and social changes, contributing to a better understanding of modern communication trends and the importance of media literacy in navigating online discourse.